Transportation

Our records indicate that 2,258 students have ridden the bus at some point during the school day these past four days.

We’re almost at the end of the first week of school. We’ve had a great start to the school year, and with that said, we realize that there have been some hiccups with transportation. While I know we all have high expectations of what services should look like, I want to share a few things.

Our records indicate that 2,258 students have ridden the bus at some point during the school day these past four days. Since this is only the first week of school, students, as well as drivers, are adjusting and in the process of learning their routes. We continue to enroll a few new students a day. While this is great news, by adding new students to the routes that had been previously established, it causes yet another change to a route.

Also, since kindergartners are dropped off and released to a guardian, the drop off process takes a bit longer to complete. We have to take into consideration that there are young and new riders learning their stops. The drivers are also learning who is supposed to be riding a bus, who should get off where or which names to call out for a stop.

Know that we are in constant communication with Mid-Columbia Bus, and I appreciate the staff’s willingness to provide solutions when challenges arise. As a parent, I understand the frustration this may create. Please hang in there, we are working on improving our efficiencies. We appreciate your understanding.

Hermiston School District provides equal access to all programs and services without discrimination based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. For more information, review our Equal Education Philosophy.